Liverpool want to extend defender Joe Gomez's contract at Anfield. Virgil van Dijk, Manchester City, and the summer transfer market all help to explain why.
When Liverpool paid a world record £75 million for Virgil van Dijk in January 2018, they were adamant that he was the only defender Jürgen Klopp needed.
Aymeric Laporte and others were linked, but the Spanish international joined Manchester City for £57 million during the same transfer window that the Reds signed Van Dijk, who only wanted to play at Anfield.
Aside from the obvious (his quality), one of the reasons Liverpool spent so much money on Van Dijk was a lack of alternatives. Few would argue that the Dutchman is the best in his position in the world, but how far he is ahead of the rest is a slight surprise.
This summer alone, there has been a dearth of players capable of playing the position at a truly elite level, as evidenced by the names being touted for moves and at what prices.
Matthijs de Ligt has a €120 million (£103 million) release clause at Juventus, with Chelsea reportedly interested (they are reportedly offering a £40 million plus Christian Pulisic or Timo Werner deal).
Jules Koundé of Sevilla is valued at €60 million (£51 million), but he lacks Van Dijk's experience and level of leadership. Koundé appeared to be moving on last summer, but instead stayed for another year.
Kalidou Koulibaly, who has been linked with a move away from Napoli seemingly forever, is reportedly on the radar of Barcelona and several others — now 31, his contract in Italy expires in one more season.
Milan kriniar (rated at €60 million) of Inter Milan has been linked with Chelsea and Tottenham as both clubs seek centre-backs. Spurs are desperate for new players to appease Antonio Conte, and Clément Lenglet has been heavily linked with a loan move.
Nathan Aké (£50 million+) wants more minutes at Manchester City and may leave for Chelsea or elsewhere to get them, five years after leaving Stamford Bridge for Bournemouth.
Only Harry Maguire (£80 million from Leicester to Manchester United) and Lucas Hernandez (£69 million from Atlético Madrid to Bayern Munich) have come close to Van Dijk.
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